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Media advisory - Canadian Transportation Agency holds public hearing on the use of medical oxygen on board aircraft

OTTAWA, Oct. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Transportation Agency will
hold a public hearing in Ottawa beginning October 29, 2007 to continue its
investigation into 25 complaints against Air Canada and one against WestJet
regarding persons with disabilities who require that medical oxygen be
available to them when travelling by air. Members of the general public and
media are welcome to attend as observers.
The hearing is to be held:
Date: Beginning on Monday October 29, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (EDT)
Note: The hearing will then resume on Wednesday
October 31, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
Place: Frieman/Guigues Room
Old City Hall
111 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
On December 13, 2005, the Agency issued Decision No. 720-AT-A-2005
determining that certain aspects of each respondent carrier's oxygen policies,
procedures and practices constituted obstacles to the mobility of persons with
disabilities.
The Agency is now continuing with the next stage of its investigation,
which will focus on whether those obstacles are undue obstacles to the
mobility of persons with disabilities and, if so, what corrective measures
would address them in order to provide the most reasonable accommodation for
persons with disabilities.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO ASSIGNMENT EDITORS
The Agency Members presiding over the hearing are: Geoffrey Hare, Panel
Chair; Beaton Tulk and Mark MacKeigan, Panel Members. Due to the
quasi-judicial nature of the hearing, panel members will not answer reporters'
questions. A spokesperson for the Agency will be available to answer general
questions about the Agency and the hearing process. Reporters may also try to
interview participants or their representatives before or after the day's
session, or during breaks and lunch. Cameras are permitted in the hearing room
during the proceedings. Reporters may stay throughout the duration of the
hearing to record the proceedings.

For further information:

For further information: Jadrino Huot, Senior Communications Adviser,
(819) 953-9957; The Canadian Transportation Agency is online at www.cta.gc.ca;
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